Original ‘Fit Mom’ Has Radically Changed Her Views And Is No Longer Body Shaming Moms

Several years ago, original “fit mom” Maria Kang became famous overnight after posting a skimpily-clad photo on Facebook. In the post, Kang is surrounded by her three children, showing off her rock-hard body in an itty bitty sports bra.

It wasn’t so much her trim figure that garnered media, but rather, the bold, body-shaming headline: “What’s Your Excuse?”

At the time, the controversial mommy fitness blogger and author of The No More Excuses Dietdrew both admiration and ire from mothers everywhere, many of whom felt her approach was judgmental and offensive.

These days, however, Kang says she regrets the “no excuses” lifestyle that she used to preach.

In a new interview with People, the 34-year-old mama reveals that she’s struggled to keep up with her extreme regime in the past year, leading to a 10-pound weight gain. (She still looks amazing, by the way.)

“I struggled with my reflection for some time. I stopped feeling beautiful,” says Kang. “Like most moms, my hair is always in a bun, my life is always on the go and my fitness goals are always one of my last priorities. I struggled with motivation, I’ve gained some weight and am experiencing difficult marital challenges. I let the world consume me this last year. I let events, people and things influence my perception of myself and I literally felt broken.”

Kang proudly shows off her new figure in a candid Instagram post, in which she describes how her views on motherhood and fitness have changed.

Where normally she would follow a strict 10 to 12 week diet and eliminate water weight before a photoshoot, this time, she ate a doughnut right before the shoot and didn’t work out for four days prior.

“Regardless if we have some cellulite, extra weight, extra skin or extra scars — be proud because we are constantly progressing, transforming and aging,” says Kang — a far cry from her “What’s Your Excuse?” mantra.

Indeed, it seems that Kang has embraced a very different approach altogether to health and fitness altogether; one that is kinder, more body positive, and far less judgmental.

“I’ve gained 10 lbs. since my ‘What’s Your Excuse’ photo and I’m not hiding from that fact,” she says. “I want to empower others to step in front of the camera and be unapologetic, thankful and proud of where they are today. Beauty is in our minds and is reflected in the eyes of the people who truly love you. It doesn’t matter if you are skinny, fit, overweight or obese, if you don’t live in gratitude, you will never see what you truly have and who you truly are.”